Teaching Your Child How To Get Into the Army (But You Haven’t Got a Clue!)

In one respect, we are all wanting to join the military in one respect or another. As parents, and specifically, as fathers, we may feel that we need to assert some sort of masculinity, especially if we were bullied as children. If your child considers military service, it's a very conflicting emotion. Your child may want to dive deep into everything and anything army-related, but if you haven't got a clue where to begin, what should you expect, and how can you help them on this journey? 

Transferable Skills 

If your child wants to join the military, they will have to be skilled in the obvious components. This means being handy with a weapon. You might not know anything about weaponry, but it could be the perfect opportunity for you both to learn together. While you may not know anything about an AR15 or AR15 accessories, this might be the perfect opportunity for you both to conduct the research. You could go hunting together or join a shooting gallery. But of course, the army is not just about shooting weaponry; there is a lot more to it than that. 

Ensuring Their Physical Preparedness 

There are army fitness tests available online. If your child is determined to go, they've got to meet the physical requirements. You could be their coach and motivator. When when we look at the various components associated with army fitness, we can start simple. The great thing about teaching your child to get fit is that it's also about mental fortitude as well. But this is where you might be able to help more, especially if the whole army way of life doesn't necessarily appeal to you. 

Teaching Them Mental Strength 

The most essential component about anything else when it comes to military service is mental strength. Having weapon and physical fitness skills is nothing if you don't have the mental strength to match it. You can teach mental strength in many ways, and while this forms the spine of basic training, there are simple things you can do to teach your child at home. A very basic example is a cold shower. Teaching your child the mental strength to get into icy cold water every single day will help develop resilience. Additionally, making sure that they are able to handle their emotions is as important. We have to remember that the modern army cadet is not just someone who is all machine; it's important that if your child gets stressed or overwhelmed that they know how to work through these problems. This could be where you come in and give them a very worthwhile lesson. Learning how to work through your emotions is a time-honored skill, and it can serve them well in the modern-day.

You might be the entrepreneurial type or you may have skills better served in other areas, but if your child wants to join the military, don't think you have nothing to offer them. Teaching them how to meld mind and body could be the perfect bond experience for you and your child.